allinthefamily

Grandparents Can Help Grandkids in Aftermath of Tragedy

Posted on 12/14/2012 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Home & Family | Relationships | Your LifeWhile details are still being learned about the explosions at the Boston Marathon, I wanted to share with you how you can help your grandchildren heal from a tragedy like this. We want them to be active and healthy throughout their lives, and encourage them to exercise — perhaps even become a runner — and they might have questions about today’s events. So, how can we help our kids and grandkids cope with these traumatic events? How can we help …

Tips for Multigenerational Living

Posted on 12/13/2012 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | Relationships | Your LifeI was pleased to be included as an expert in a recent NBC Nightly News three-part series on caregiving. The series culminated in a segment in which I was interviewed about multigenerational living. After many years of working with multigenerational families, and now that I, too, live in a multigenerational household with my parents and their live-in caregiver, I’ve learned a lot. Here’s a roundup of my tips for those of you in similar situations — or those of you …

Tips for Difficult Family Conversations

Posted on 12/12/2012 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | RelationshipsIn the course of caring for our aging loved ones many family members must have difficult conversations around decisions and changes — whether they be about driving, living situations, health care, financial or care and support issues. Here are some of my tips for approaching these conversations, as well as my Taking Care with Amy Goyer video (above) on the topic. Talk early and often. The more you’ve discussed and planned for the future, the easier it will be when it is time to …

He Has Alzheimer’s, Now What? Part 2

Posted on 12/6/2012 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | Personal Health | Relationships | Your LifeIn Part 1 of this two-part post I recently shared a question sent to me from a Twitter follower, @Jason_Bournesm, whose grandfather has Alzheimer’s disease. Jason wanted ideas for how to help his grandfather. Here is Part 2 – more ideas for how to interact with your loved ones when they have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia: Use familiar photos. Jason shared that he was thinking of creating a special photo album for his grandparents. Great idea! Meaningful …

He Has Alzheimer’s, Now What? Pt. 1

Posted on 11/12/2012 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | RelationshipsA Twitter follower of mine, @Jason_Bournesm, tweeted me a question the other day about his grandfather who has Alzheimer’s disease: “@AmyGoyer my grandfather has #Alzheimers. how can I help him? I’m not able to do much physically. He doesn’t remember much at all #sad” Jason was born with spina bifida. While his physical challenges may limit some activities, I told him he has a lot to offer his grandfather! Grandchildren of all ages have a special love and energy to …

From Grief to Wellness: Amy Voelker Wins a Fitness Makeover

Posted on 09/21/2012 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Home & Family | Personal Health | Relationships | Your LifeTwo years ago, Amy Voelker, 50, and her husband were enjoying the fruits of 20 years of marriage. Her two stepsons were married with kids. Her youngest son was doing well in his first year of college. Then tragedy struck this family when a drunk driver broadsided the car, instantly killing her husband and all three sons. After a lengthy trial for the drunk driver, Amy was at a turning point. “I was trying to figure out my future; I …